Meningococcal B Vaccine Bexsero
Bexsero is broadly protective against meningococcal group B disease. Bexsero can be used to protect babies, children, adolescents and adults. Infants younger than twelve months of age need three doses to be fully protected. Older children, adolescents, and adults need two doses to be protected.
From 1 July 2021, Bexsero vaccine will be provided free of charge to close contacts of meningococcal cases of any meningococcal group , or people who are at higher risk of contracting meningococcal B disease because they:
-
are pre- or post-splenectomy
-
are pre- or post-solid organ transplant
-
are post-bone marrow transplant
-
are pre- or post-immunosuppression that will be/is longer than 28 days.
For others wishing to be protected against meningococcal B disease, Bexsero is available through your family doctor. The cost is approximately $150 per dose.
Bexsero is different to the MeNZB vaccine used in New Zealand between 2004 and 2011. The MeNZB vaccine was designed to target a specific type of meningococcal group B bacterium that only caused disease here in New Zealand. MeNZB was not meant for long term use. The vaccine was withdrawn once the rate of disease was significantly reduced. However, the active component of the MeNZB vaccine has contributed to the successful development of Bexsero.
Are There Any Adults Who Should Not Get The Meningococcal Vaccine
You shouldn’t get either type of meningococcal vaccine if you:
- Are moderately or seriously ill wait until you recover.
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose
- Had a severe reaction to any part of the vaccine
If you are pregnant or have other concerns, ask your doctor which meningitis vaccine is right for you.
Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Meningococcal Disease
Anyone who wants to protect themselves against meningococcal disease can talk to their vaccination provider about getting vaccinated.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends meningococcal vaccination for specific groups including:
- infants, children, adolescents and young adults
- special risk groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions, laboratory workers who frequently handle Neisseria meningitidis, travellers, and young adults who live in close quarters or who are current smokers.
Meningococcal B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12 months.
- People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.
Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- children aged 12 months
- adolescents aged 14-16 years through school-based vaccination programs.
- People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency and those receiving treatment with eculizumab.
Your vaccination provider will advise if you or your child have a specified medical risk condition. See also Immunisation for people with medical conditions.
Meningococcal vaccines should not be given to people who have had:
- anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine
- anaphylaxis after any component of a meningococcal vaccine.
Read Also: Why Does The Hpv Vaccine Hurt So Much
Why Do I Have To Do This
Missouri Revised Statute 174.335 went into effect on August 28, 2014:
174.335. 1. Beginning with the 2004-05 school year and for each school year thereafter, every public institution of higher education in this state shall require all students who reside in on-campus housing to have received the meningococcal vaccine unless a signed statement of medical or religious exemption is on file with the institution’s administration. A student shall be exempted from the immunization requirement of this section upon signed certification by a physician licensed under chapter 334 indicating that either the immunization would seriously endanger the student’s health or life or the student has documentation of the disease or laboratory evidence of immunity to the disease. A student shall be exempted from the immunization requirement of this section if he or she objects in writing to the institution’s administration that immunization violates his or her religious beliefs.
2. Each public university or college in this state shall maintain records on the meningococcal vaccination status of every student residing in on-campus housing at the university or college.
3. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring any institution of higher education to provide or pay for vaccinations against meningococcal disease.
What Do I Need To Do
1. You must provide a copy of your meningitis vaccination record to Magers Health and Wellness Center. This applies for any student living in a residence hall or in FSL housing, not just for freshmen. Please include your BearPass ID or M Number on the documentation submitted.
Attn: Medical Records Coordinator Magers Health and Wellness Center Missouri State University Springfield, Missouri 65897
Fax: 417-836-4133
2. You must also complete a very simple, 2-minute meningitis survey regarding other possible risk factors.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do Kitten Vaccinations Cost
Which Meningococcal Vaccine Do You Pay For
ACWY vaccination can be purchased on prescription Immunisation against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y is available in a four-in-one combined ACWY vaccine. If you are not eligible for the free vaccine, you can pay for it if you want to protect yourself or your family from these strains of meningococcal disease.
Who Needs A Meningococcal Vaccine
The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for:
- All children ages 11-18 or certain younger high-risk children
- Anyone who has been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
- Anyone traveling to or living where meningitis is common, such as in sub-Saharan Africa
- Military recruits
- People with certain immune system disorders or a damaged or missing spleen
You May Like: What’s In The Whooping Cough Vaccine
University Of Chicago Medicine: Vaccination Outreach Program
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINESwhat you need to know
Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See . Hojas de Informacián Sobre Vacunas están disponibles en Español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite .
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections.
About 1,000 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. Even when they are treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of these people die. Of those who survive, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen. College freshmen who live in dormitories, and teenagers 15-19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin. Still, about 1 out of every ten people who get the disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life. This is why preventing the disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important for people at highest risk.
Severe problems
What Are The Risks Of Meningococcal Vaccine
The most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe allergic reactions following vaccination are rare, but can be life threatening. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness.
Also Check: Does Medicare Pay For Shingrix Shingles Vaccine
People With Certain Medical Conditions Need A Primary Series Of Menb Vaccine And Routine Booster Doses
Vaccinate people who have the following medical conditions with a primary series of MenB vaccine:
- Complement component deficiency
- Functional or anatomic asplenia
The primary series for Bexsero® requires 2 doses. Administer the second dose at least one month after the first dose. The primary series for Trumenba® for people at increased risk requires 3 doses. Administer the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. Administer the third dose 6 months after the first dose.
Administer a booster dose of MenB vaccine 1 year after series completion and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter, to people with these medical conditions.
Most Health Insurance Plans Cover The Cost For Menb Vaccination
Most health plans must cover CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs if an in-network healthcare provider administers the vaccine. Adolescents or their parents should check with their insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to them for this vaccine.
The Vaccines for Children, or VFC, program provides vaccines for children 18 and younger who are
- Medicaid-eligible
- American Indian or Alaska Native
Parents can find a VFC provider by contacting their local health department. VFC will cover the cost of MenB vaccination for those
- 16 through 18 years of age
- 10 through 18 years of age identified as being at increased risk due to a medical condition
- 10 through 18 years of age identified as being at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak
Also Check: How Can I Find My Vaccination Records
Who Should Get Which Meningococcal Vaccine And When
Although MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for most people, if it is not available when it’s time for the vaccination, MPSV4 can be used.
Routine immunization with the meningococcal vaccine MCV4 is recommended for children ages 11 or 12, with a booster to be given between ages 16 and 18. Vaccinations are also recommended for the following groups:
- College freshmen living in a dorm
- Military recruits
- Someone who has a damaged spleen
- Someone whose spleen has been removed
- Someone with terminal complement component deficiency
- Microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- Someone traveling to or residing in a country where the disease is common
- Someone who has been exposed to meningitis
Preteens who are 11 and 12 usually have the shot at their 11- or 12-year-old checkup. An appointment should be made to get the shot for teenagers who did not have it when they were 11 or 12.
The vaccine may be given to pregnant women. However, since MCV4 and MenB are newer vaccines, there is limited data about their effect on pregnant women. They should only be used if clearly needed.
Anyone who is allergic to any component used in the vaccine should not get the vaccine. It’s important to tell your doctor about all your allergies.
People with mild illness such as a cold or congestion can usually get the vaccine. But people who are moderately or severely ill at the time of vaccine administration should wait until they recover.
What Are The Side Effects Of Meningococcal Vaccines
Mild side effects happen in about half those who get the vaccine. They may include redness or pain where the skin was injected. These side effects last no longer than 1 or 2 days.
Serious side effects are rare and can include high fever, weakness, and changes in behavior.
Severe allergic reactions may happen within minutes or hours of having the vaccination. These are signs of an allergic reaction:
Read Also: Where Can I Get Polio Vaccine
People With Certain Medical Conditions Need A 2
Vaccinate people with the following medical conditions with a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY vaccine administered 8 weeks apart:
- Complement component deficiency
- Functional or anatomic asplenia
Administer routine booster doses every 5 years throughout life to people with these medical conditions. Booster doses will help these patients maintain protection against meningococcal disease.
How Can I Learn More About This Type Of Meningitis
If you wish to claim a religious or medical exemption:
Don’t Miss: Are Antibiotics Effective Against Viruses
Administration With Other Vaccines
Vaccine providers may administer MenACWY and MenB vaccines during the same visit, but at a different injection site, if feasible. Providers can also administer meningococcal and other vaccines during the same visit, but at a different injection site, if feasible. Administer each vaccine with a separate syringe.
High Risk Groups For Meningococcal Disease
Other people are not funded under the National Immunisation Program and will require a prescription to purchase the meningococcal vaccines. If you are in one of the following high-risk groups, speak to your doctor about which vaccines you should have, the number of doses required and how long protection will last:
- infants and young children, particularly those aged less than two years
- adolescents aged 15 to 19 years
- people who have close household contact with those who have meningococcal disease and who have not been immunised
- people who smoke and are aged 15 to 24 years
- people who are travelling to places, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have epidemics caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y
- pilgrims to the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian authorities require a valid certificate of vaccination to enter the country
- people who work in a laboratory and who handle meningococcal bacteria
- people with HIV
- people who have had a haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Don’t Miss: What Vaccines Do Pigs Need
Do I Need Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal B vaccines are recommended for people 10 years or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including: People at risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak. Anyone whose spleen is damaged or has been removed, including people with sickle cell disease.
You Or Your Child Have Had A Life
- If you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of MenACWY or MenB vaccine, do not get another dose of that type of vaccine.
- Do not get a meningococcal vaccine if you have a severe allergy to any part of that vaccine. Your or your childs doctor can tell you about the vaccines ingredients.
Recommended Reading: How Many Shots Is The Hpv Vaccine
What Are The Risks Of Gbs With The Mcv4 Vaccine
Between 2005 and 2012, more than 18 million doses of MCV4 were distributed. It’s uncertain how many of those have actually been given. In that same time period, there have been 99 confirmed cases of GBS, a serious nervous system disorder, reported within six weeks of the vaccine being taken. There is not enough data at this time to tell whether or not the vaccine was a factor. But analysis of the data suggests that the incidence of GBS is no higher for people receiving the vaccine than the incidence of GBS in the general population.
Still, the timing of the onset of symptoms has raised concern. The CDC is continuing to study the issue and has recommended that people be told about the study when they are considering the vaccine. The current opinion is that even if there is a slight increase in the risk of GBS, it’s significantly outweighed by the risk of meningococcal disease without the vaccine.
Talk to your doctor if you have any further concerns about the vaccine and GBS.
Show Sources
Pediatrics, published online Feb. 1, 2011. CDC web site: “Meningitis Questions & Answers,” “Meningococcal Vaccines: What You Need to Know,” “Meningococcal Vaccination,” “Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Meningococcal: Who Needs to Be Vaccinated?” “Meningococcal vaccine side-effects,” “GBS and Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine.”
VaccineInformation.org: “Meningococcal Disease Vaccine.”
Who Should Get The Meningococcal Vaccines
All children ages 11 through 12 years should receive meningococcal vaccine followed by a booster dose at age 16 years. Vaccination is also recommended for all adolescents ages 13 through 18 years who did not receive a dose at age 11-12 years.
Individuals ages 2 months and older who have certain conditions that weaken their immune system should receive meningococcal vaccine, including teens who are HIV positive. These persons should also receive booster shots every three to five years depending on their age. Talk to your health care provider if your preteen or teen has a condition that makes it harder for their body to fight off infection.
The MenB vaccine may also be given at age 16 years along with the MenACWY booster dose. MenB vaccine is also recommended for children age 10 years and older with certain high-risk conditions. The number of doses needed depends on the product used and if your child has a high-risk condition. Talk to your health care provider about this additional vaccine.
Read Also: Where Can I Get Parvo Vaccine
Routine Menacwy Vaccination Of Adolescents
All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Since protection wanes, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years. The booster dose provides protection during the ages when adolescents are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.
- For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, administer a booster dose at age 16 through 18 years, before the period of increased risk.
- Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY vaccine at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
- Adolescents who are at increased risk due to medical conditions need a 2-dose primary series of MenACWY vaccine administered 8 weeks apart, as well as regular booster doses every 5 years.
- CDC also recommends a booster dose for those at increased risk due to an outbreak if 5 or more years have passed since receiving MenACWY.
Rare Side Effects Of Meningococcal Immunisation
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic or medical surgery for at least 15 minutes following immunisation in case further treatment is required.
If any other reactions are severe and persistent, or if you are worried, contact your doctor for further information.
Also Check: When To Get Whooping Cough Vaccine While Pregnant